California Freelance Writers United

Coalition of Golden State-based freelance journalists, writers, media professionals who got #AB2257 passed. We stand with all ICs. #FixAB5 #FightforFreelancers

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

To any CA writers spending the first day of the year panicking because of lost work thanks to #AB5, we see you. We get you. We're fighting for you. Join us here, on Instagram, Facebook or at https://t.co/Hi6lWFP9TF. Let's #FixAB5 and make this a 2020 where we ALL thrive.

[Fred Topel @FredTopel]

Thank you to the @ASJAhq @NPPA and independent leaders like @rdotinga and @HEYJBMC who volunteered their time for the past 3+ years to fight for journalists. That’s what solidarity looks like.

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

This is happening right now. If you lost work as a result of AB5 and/or want to tell the @USDOL to stop trying to misclassify independent writers and freelance media professionals, please join and share your story! #WhatTheHellDOL

[ASJA @ASJAhq]

#WhatTheHellDOL

The Department of Labor will draft a new rule redefining employee vs independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The DOL public hearing for “workers” is Wednesday, June 29 from 5-7 pm ET.

#FightForFreelancers
Register:
https://t.co/pkiUFTn70c

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

Be like Brittany! Speak up! #WhatTheHellDOL #FightForFreelancers

[Brittany VanDerBill @6135Britt]

Never in a million years did I think I’d speak at a @USDOL hearing. But here I am, fighting for the right to keep my business. I’m encouraged by the many others who also spoke on behalf of freelancers.
#WhatTheHellDOL
#fightforfreelancers

[Paige @PaigeCerulli7]

@suzrdg This is such an important point. #Freelancers bring talents to #smallbusinesses that they couldn't otherwise access - not everyone can justify hiring even a PT employee. We bring different voices to smaller publications, increased scope to nonprofits, and more. #WhatTheHellDOL

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

Take it from us… This why we had to go to bat for #AB2257. It was the only way independent writers and freelance journalists could revive their livelihoods after months of panic and destruction caused by AB5 and the ABC Test.

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

This is exactly what happened when lawmakers tried the ABC Test in California as #AB5

They promised W2 jobs and unions.

The only widespread, documented result: Destruction of independent contractor income and careers.

#WhatTheHellDOL
#NoABCforUSA
#FightForFreelancers

[Fight for Freelancers USA @Freelancers_USA]

@SecMartyWalsh Until you recognize the 59 MILLION self-employed #smallbiz owners who are #freelancers/ICs - ONE-THIRD of the workforce - you need to stop talking about building "a strong, skilled & inclusive workforce."

You're supposed to represent us all.

#WhatTheHellDOL
#FightForFreelancers

[Fight for Freelancers USA @Freelancers_USA]

Today, we joined forces with @cafwu and Freelancers Against #AB5 to launch a new social media campaign:

#WhatTheHellDOL

Here's our press release, which you can feel free to share:

https://t.co/DH3ARvJPJH

#FightForFreelancers
/1

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

Hey @USDOL, stop trying to gaslight journalists into believing that we’re better off shackled to antiquated FT W2 traditional 9-to-5 employment. We know better… #WhatTheHellDOL

https://t.co/vQsiXOUglJ

[Deborah Lynn Blumberg @dlblumberg]

@MaressaSylvie @USDOL Yes! My last FT job I was commuting 2-3 hours a day & barely saw my kids. With #freelancing I'm the boss & can attend all of their performances, etc., take them to doctors appts w/out having to ask for permission. My #kids love that their #mom is a #smallbusinessowner & so do I.

[Maressa Brown | Journalist. Author. Astrologer. @MaressaSylvie]

My last in-office FT job ended, in part, because I was struggling to commute. The company refused to offer 1 DAY of remote work. Pivoting to independent contracting gave me control of my health + wealth.

Now @USDOL wants to refuse 59 mil. Americans that option. #WhatTheHellDOL

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

.@USDOL is giving us just 2 min. to speak at its hearings about the independent contractor rulemaking.

Not only do self-employed Americans deserve a real seat at the table, but regulators and lawmakers nationwide must stop threatening our careers and livelihoods.

Get involved:

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

1/8 Today, @Freelancers_USA is joining forces with @cafwu and Freelancers Against #AB5 to launch a new social media campaign:

#WhatTheHellDOL

Here's our press release, which you can feel free to share:

https://t.co/BsRx7WxkWr

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

Several of us from @Freelancers_USA and @cafwu will be panelists at this virtual conference for freelancers in April.

We'll be doing one session about why ABC Test bills are so awful, and a second session about strategies that work when fighting them. 👊

#FightForFreelancers

[Mike Hruby @venturemike1]

This @indeed data backs up numerous other studies: most women have more responsibilities than just work, so they need #flexiblework to keep their lives in #balance. Said as grandson, grand nephew, son, nephew, husband, father, uncle and employer of #workingwomen.

[Fred Topel @FredTopel]

This from labor side makes the vital point about labor law’s failures. For example, @CAFWU is PRO UNION! We just know eliminating freelancers doesn’t make more union members, or union jobs. AB5 didn’t. Pro Act won’t. We could be allies if you listen to freelancers. ##IRSnotABC

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

We’re in! Are you?

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

Actual footage of me every time we receive another message from a group that wants to co-sign the @Freelancers_USA amicus brief for the U.S. Supreme Court.

#ReadTheBrief and then join us in the #FightForFreelancers

Two weeks left to co-sign!

https://t.co/bjD8VTS5lq

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

We joined this coalition to protect self-employment across the country.

To learn more, read this 🧵, then #ReadTheBrief:

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

1/16 Late last night, @freelancers_usa led a coalition of 250,000+ self-employed Americans in filing an amicus brief with the National Labor Relations Board.

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

Thread. 👇🏻

(Note: In a follow-up tweet, Glenn indicated he meant freelancers, not freelance unions.)

[Kim Kavin @thekimkavin]

“The legislation would model our federal system on a California law that is so unpopular and so poorly written that emergency action was required to avoid severely disrupting the state's economy.” https://t.co/i9PbTX4QVH

[Lila Stromer @LilaMStromer]

“The goal of this plan is ultimately to force independent contractors in all 50 states to become employees for federal unemployment tax purposes.” @POTUS @SecMartyWalsh @SenateHELP @SenSchumer There are 59MM freelancers. We’re sm. businesses owners. We don’t want to be employees.

[California Freelance Writers United @cafwu]

👏🏿👏🏾👏🏻 You get it.